The Armed Forces of Nigeria have killed at least 37 terrorists, rescued 40 abducted persons and arrested suspected terrorist collaborators during military operations across the country between October 2 and 8, 2026, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.
The operations included the repulsion of an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attack on Kukawa in Borno State, the rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State and the killing of a senior ISWAP commander in Ondo State.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the development in a statement detailing military operations and security achievements across the country’s geopolitical zones.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised 25 terrorists during an attempted ISWAP infiltration of Kukawa town, Borno State, between the night of October 6 and the morning of October 7.
The troops, supported by the Air Component, recovered six AK-47 rifles, 10 magazines, 797 rounds of PKT ammunition, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, an anti-tank bomb and other military equipment.
In a separate operation in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State on October 5, troops foiled a terrorist attack on Abakurari village, neutralised one terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA killed 10 Lakurawa terrorists who attempted to attack Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State on October 7.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the attackers were operating on more than 100 motorcycles and were armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
Following the engagement, surviving attackers fled, abandoning their weapons. Troops recovered 17 motorcycles, a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, assorted ammunition and a communication device.
In another major operation, a combined team of security forces neutralised several terrorists in Owo Forest, Ondo State, on October 2, including Abdussamad Ohida, identified as a senior ISWAP commander.
Ohida was reportedly the deputy to the leader of ISWAP’s Central Nigeria faction and had assumed leadership of the group following the leader’s arrest by the Department of State Services in 2023.
Further investigations indicated that the slain commander had allegedly been planning large-scale attacks against citizens in some southern states during the forthcoming festive season.
The Defence Headquarters described his killing as a significant setback to ISWAP’s efforts to expand its operational presence in Nigeria.
Troops Rescue Abductees Across States
Beyond the battlefield successes, troops rescued abducted persons in several states, including Borno, Katsina, Kaduna and Imo.
In Borno State, troops rescued two female abductees in the Kuranabasa axis of Gwoza Local Government Area on October 4. They also rescued three escapees from captivity in Cameroon, who were subsequently handed over to Cameroonian security forces.
On October 8, troops rescued three persons who had reportedly been held captive for seven years around Armuda in Gwoza, alongside three other abductees in the Gava area of the same local government.
In Katsina State, troops working with local security groups rescued 18 kidnap victims unharmed in Unguwan Hudu village, Bakori Local Government Area, on October 1.
Troops also rescued a seven-year-old boy abducted from Dogon Dawa village in Kaduna State. He was found at Tsakiya village in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State on October 6.
In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA rescued 20 prospective corps members abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in the Umunoha axis of Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State.
A woman who had also been abducted while travelling to the market was rescued alongside the prospective corps members at Ndegwu community in Owerri West Local Government Area on October 7.
The military said search operations were continuing to locate and arrest those responsible for the abductions.
Suspected Terrorists, Collaborators Arrested
Other military operations led to the arrest of suspected terrorists, kidnappers, logistics suppliers and collaborators in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger and other states.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE discovered three illegal refining sites in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, on October 7.
They also uncovered an estimated 2,500 litres of suspected stolen Premium Motor Spirit in Eleme Local Government Area.
The military further reported operations against arms trafficking in Taraba State and the rescue of three persons who escaped from their abductors in a forest in Kwara State.
Military Strengthens Humanitarian Cooperation
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to supporting humanitarian activities in the North-East.
On October 8, a delegation from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs visited the Theatre Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri to strengthen cooperation with the military.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops for their courage and professionalism, urging them to remain vigilant, particularly as the festive season approaches.
He also called on security agencies to sustain joint operations and intelligence sharing, while urging traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens to report individuals suspected of aiding terrorists and other criminal groups.
The Defence Headquarters appealed to the media to maintain balanced reporting and avoid publishing unverified information or sensitive operational details that could undermine ongoing military operations.